Exploring Sober Curiosity: What It Means and Why It's Trending
Understanding how this may be the greatest opportunity yet for alcohol-free brands!
Today we’re diving straight into a topic that’s been making waves and headlines this past year(ish) in the alcohol-free space. Sober curiosity.
I feel as though I definitely began my journey into loving alcohol-free drinks by being sober curious. But that’s a story for another time perhaps. First I want to dive into what it is (for anyone not familiar with the term) and understand why I think it’s one of the greatest things to happen to NA drinks in a long time.
Before we dive in fully I want to note that this conversation may not be relevant for everyone, particularly those navigating addiction or recovery. Our intention is to foster a supportive space for sober exploration and we recognize the importance of seeking professional guidance and support tailored to individual needs.
What is Sober Curiosity?
Sober curiosity isn't about strict abstinence or labelling oneself as "sober” or “teetotal”. Instead, it's an exploration - a mindful journey into understanding your own relationship with alcohol and making intentional choices about your consumption of it.
Being sober curious is about asking questions, challenging norms, and embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes clarity, health, and well-being without being super strict on yourself to give up alcohol entirely.
It’s not a new thing by any means but it’s been given a catchy term that’s been trending a lot lately.
So why is it trending now?
The rise of sober curiosity signals a cultural shift. People are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of alcohol on their bodies, minds, and relationships. They're seeking alternatives that allow them to fully engage with the moment they are in.
But it’s not just this that’s fuelling the movement. Sober curiosity intersects with broader trends towards wellness, mindfulness, and sustainability. As individuals prioritize holistic health and environmental consciousness, they're reevaluating their alcohol consumption habits and opting for alcohol-free alternatives that align with their values.
What does it mean for the alcohol-free industry then?
Well, I see it as the biggest opportunity for alcohol-free brands to reach a much wider audience than only those who lead a fully sober lifestyle. As an industry, we shouldn’t need consumers to choose one way or another and I really strongly believe that for many, being more conscious about their alcohol intake can lead to a great balance without having to completely cut it out if they don’t want to.
So let’s embrace anyone who is starting to become sober curious. Let’s encourage them to explore what their alcohol intake looks like and avoid trying to make it clear-cut where people have to either give up alcohol entirely or never look at a non-alcoholic beer again.
Sip of the Week
This week’s Sip of the Week has to be the LOAH lime lager. I can’t stop thinking about it. I was pretty excited to try this as I love their peach lager but I was worried that they wouldn’t be able to create two drinks equally as delicious. But oh my I wasn’t let down at all.
There’s something so incredible about how LOAH balance the tanginess of the lime to create something that’s powerful but not overwhelming. What I especially loved was that you get a nice bit of the lime in the aftertaste, which negates any need for a kick of alcohol. It fully takes its place and doesn’t leave you wanting anything in addition.
I’m already counting down the seconds until I can crack open another one of these!
See you next week!
Joanna 🍻🍸
Tried something new and can’t stop raving about it? Or want to share your no-low go-to? We’d love to hear what you’ve been loving recently to share with our readers next week.